With ADS-B Out equipage mandates lagging, can space based technology be the answer to aircraft tracking? Space based automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) technology has been heralded as revolutionary for the air traffic management (ATM) industry. Eliminating the need for often costly ground based infrastructure, a space based ATM network could, theoretically, monitor the entire globe. Presently, ground based air traffic surveillance is designed to work around airports and populated areas but it falls short, or simply does not exist, over oceanic areas or the poles. Satellite based coverage is free from these limitations and is considered to be a reliable way to track aircraft over oceans and remote regions.

World air freight traffic, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs), grew by 2.7% year-on-year in Jun-2018 (the most recent month for which global figures are available). This was slower than the 3.8% recorded for May-2018 and the 4.7% year to date growth rate for the first six months of the year. The strong upturn in air cargo demand enjoyed in 2017 has eased, but the outlook remains fairly healthy. This year is expected to be only the second time since 2011 when both cargo traffic and cargo yield increase together. Air freight yields are buoyed by rising jet fuel prices, although yield growth is easing and never matches fuel price growth. There is a gathering cloud on the horizon for air cargo in the guise of increasing rhetoric and action on protectionist trade policies prompted by US President Trump.

When you're buying your lunch today, you might want to take a moment and spend a little more. Gizmodo's Lunch Time Deals posts point out any particularly good bargains for Aussie bargain hunters around the 'net. With Father's Day just around the corner, it might be a good time to check out what eBay has on offer.